Relevant vs. Related — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Relevant implies direct significance to the matter at hand, whereas related suggests a connection or association which may not be directly crucial.
Difference Between Relevant and Related
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Relevant information directly impacts or pertains to the issue or topic being considered, emphasizing its importance in context. On the other hand, related information may share connections or themes with the main topic but isn't essential for immediate understanding or resolution.
In research, relevant data are crucial for forming accurate conclusions and directly influence the study's outcomes. Whereas, related data might provide background or additional insights but are not decisive in the research findings.
When making decisions, relevant factors are those that directly affect the decision’s outcome and are considered critical. Related factors, however, are considered during the decision-making process but have a less direct impact on the final choice.
In a conversation, mentioning relevant points keeps the discussion focused and productive, while bringing up related points can sometimes divert the flow, introducing broader or tangentially connected ideas.
In literature, relevant themes are central to the narrative’s development, shaping the plot and character arcs. Related themes might be present but serve more to enrich the setting or background rather than drive the core storyline.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Directly connected to the matter at hand
Generally connected or associated but not crucial
Importance in Context
High; impacts outcomes and decisions
Moderate; provides additional insights without being critical
Usage in Research
Data must be relevant to be useful
Data can be related without being directly useful
Decision Making
Decisive factors for conclusions
Factors considered but not decisive
Example in Literature
Main themes that drive the plot
Sub-themes that enrich the narrative
Compare with Definitions
Relevant
Appropriate to the current time, period, or circumstances.
These examples are relevant to today's discussion.
Related
Having shared origins or a historical link.
Related languages often have similar words.
Relevant
Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand.
Only relevant information was included in the report.
Related
Being in correlation, association, or mutual relationship.
The two studies are related but independent.
Relevant
Closely connected with the subject.
The chapters relevant to our study were highlighted.
Related
Pertaining to analogous or similar circumstances.
She faced a situation related to mine.
Relevant
Directly applicable or pertinent to the issue.
His comments were relevant to the ongoing debate.
Related
Belonging to the same category or group.
Related topics in the book are found in the index.
Relevant
Important to consider; germane.
Her skills are relevant to the job requirements.
Related
Connected by blood or marriage.
He invited all his related family members.
Relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered
The candidate's experience is relevant to the job
What small companies need is relevant advice
Related
Related is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on The WB from October 5, 2005, to March 20, 2006. It revolves around the lives of four close-knit sisters of Italian descent, raised in Brooklyn and living in Manhattan.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the matter at hand.
Related
Being connected; associated.
Relevant
Meaningful or purposeful in current society or culture
Thought that the traditional male role of breadwinner was no longer relevant.
Related
Connected by kinship, common origin, or marriage.
Relevant
Related, connected, or pertinent to a topic.
Related
(Music) Having a close harmonic connection.
Relevant
(Usually and especially) Directly related, connected, or pertinent, with important ramifications or implications.
His mother provided some relevant background information concerning his medical condition.
Related
Standing in relation or connection.
Electric and magnetic forces are closely related.
On a related note
Relevant
Not out of date; current.
Related
Being a relative of.
Everyone is related to their parents.
Relevant
Relieving; lending aid or support.
Related
Narrated; told.
Relevant
Bearing upon, or properly applying to, the case in hand; pertinent; applicable.
Close and relevant arguments have very little hold on the passions.
Related
Synonym of relative.
Relevant
Sufficient to support the cause.
Related
(mathematics) Fulfilling a relation.
Relevant
Having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue;
The scientist corresponds with colleagues in order to learn about matters relevant to her own research
Related
Having a relationship with the thing named
Gun-related crime.
Relevant
Having crucial relevance;
Crucial to the case
Relevant testimony
Related
Simple past tense and past participle of relate
Related
Allied by kindred; connected by blood or alliance, particularly by consanguinity; as, persons related in the first or second degree.
Related
Standing in relation or connection; as, the electric and magnetic forcec are closely related.
Related
Narrated; told.
Related
Same as Relative, 4.
Related
Being connected or associated;
Painting and the related arts
School-related activities
Related to micelle formation is the...ability of detergent actives to congregate at oil-water interfaces
Related
Connected by kinship, common origin, or marriage
Related
Similar or related in quality or character;
A feeling akin to terror
Kindred souls
The amateur is closely related to the collector
Related
Having close kinship and appropriateness;
He asks questions that are germane and central to the issue
Common Curiosities
How can I determine if something is relevant or just related?
Assess whether the information or factor directly influences or changes the outcome of the situation in question.
What does it mean when information is relevant?
It means the information is directly significant and impactful regarding a specific topic or issue.
How is related information different from relevant information?
Related information is connected in some way but not necessarily direct or critical to the specific matter being discussed.
Can information be both relevant and related?
Yes, information can be both pertinent directly to a topic and connected to it in a broader sense.
How do I keep a discussion relevant?
Focus on information and points that directly impact and advance the conversation's purpose.
Why is relevance important in academic research?
Relevance is crucial because it ensures that the research directly addresses and impacts the study's objectives.
What are examples of relevant factors in decision-making?
Costs, benefits, and direct outcomes related to the decision at hand.
Is related information always necessary?
While not always necessary, related information can provide valuable context and depth.
What are examples of related factors in decision-making?
Background information, historical data, or additional context that informs but doesn't directly decide the outcome.
What is the risk of discussing only related topics?
It can lead to discussions that are less focused and potentially less productive.
Can related data become relevant?
Yes, as the scope of research or the context of a discussion expands, related data may become relevant.
How does relevance affect the usefulness of research data?
Relevant data directly contributes to the research purpose, making it crucial for valid results.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
